camping with friends

Memorial Day weekend we camped at Max V. Shaul State Park with some friends.  We cooked pizzas over the fire, pancakes on the griddle and tried (unsuccessfully) to make a dessert in a dutch oven.  Tip for next time, don't let the fire get too hot or you will burn the chocolate cake, sniff, sniff.  The boys had a great time with their friends Paige and Daniel.  You may notice some silliness in the photos below, but note who the biggest monkey in the tree is  . .. hmmm.

We hiked to the top of Vroman's Nose and took in the beautiful view.  And we rode an elevator 16 floors down into the ground to tour Howes Cavern, which was absolutely amazing.  What a wonderful way to spend a weekend:  outdoors and with friends!

Barbara Weidmann

Mother-in-law: Thank you for your laughter, the good times we shared. Thanks for always listening and trying to be fair. Thank you for your comfort when things were going bad. Thank you for your shoulder to cry on when I was sad. You were more then just my Mother-In-Law you were my friend too. Everyone whose lives you touched were blessed to know you. Heaven has received the most patient, caring and beautiful angel. I will miss you . . .

spring concert

Kids all dressed up, singing voices and playing of instruments were the highlights of this years spring concert.  The boys have been going around the house singing do-a-dear for probably 3 months.  Our principal sang the Julie Andrews part and even wrote a song for our school that the kids performed.

Ambrose kept telling us there were two surprises and what fantastic surprises they were!  His drawing was chosen as the cover of the spring concerts program.  And the art teacher took part of his drawing (the guy in the last photo) and put it as the backdrop for the concert.

clubhouse

Our neighbor mentioned that she was going to get rid of a wood platform unless we wanted it. . . and that is how it started.  Four pallets, one futon, 2 crib sides (all of which were found on the curb for free) later, a clubhouse was built.  For under $60 including lumber, pulley for the bucket, golf ball grabber which became the flag pole and a metal escape ladder; my dad engineered this clubhouse.  The boys absolutely LOVE it!  I know that there will be hours of entertainment right in the back yard.  Thanks Grandpa for all your hard work!

mothers day

time spent relaxing . . .

 time spent crafting and visiting . . .

 time spent building important projects (more details coming soon). . .

 attending the 1st grade Mother's Tea (some great looking waiters) . . .

 Grandma even attended (note:  hats are necessary) . . .

 cutie pies waving . . .

 classes performing . . .

 what a lovely Mother's Day Tea!

imagine at rit

Ambrose and I attended Imagine at RIT while Blaise had baseball (and Daddy was pitching).  Imagine is an Innovation and Creativity Festival.  We enjoyed numerous exhibits, in fact when surveyed Ambrose couldn't choose a favorite he said 'everything was great!'  He wondered from booth to booth taking in aspects of the college students work, asking questions and coming up with numerous projects he should do at home.  I'm not sure which one he will tackle first but making his own solar panel was on the list . . .now where do I go shopping for those supplies?

Pictured below . . .fun w/perspective on TV, engineering for amusement parks, specially made motorcycle, machine that makes smores (but please note that Ambrose says the marshmallows are too burnt, not up to his specs I guess), 3D printers and more!